we should always consider the end of it to be, that we may be trained
CHAPTER IV.
OF MEDITATING ON THE FUTURE LIFE.
Chapter Summary
I. The Primary Purpose of the Cross
The cross serves as a means to cultivate contempt for the present and ignite our aspirations towards the future life. (Section 1, 2)
II. Embracing the Future Life
While withdrawing from the present life, we should neither avoid nor despise it. Instead, we should eagerly desire the future life and willingly depart from the present at the command of our sovereign Master. (Section 3, 4)
III. Overcoming the Fear of Death
Our natural inclination to fear death is discussed, along with the correction and remedy to alleviate this fear. (Section 6
1. WHATEVER be the kind of tribulation with which we are afflicted, we should always consider the end of it to be, that we may be trained to despise the present, and thereby stimulated to aspire to the future life. For in the wisdom of God, He knows the strong inclination of our hearts to cling to this world with a slavish love. To prevent us from being ensnared and attached to it, He graciously employs the most fitting means to awaken us from our spiritual slumber. Although we may claim to have a desire for heavenly immortality, our thoughts, desires, and actions often reveal our earthly preoccupations. Our minds are captivated by the allure of wealth,